Catherine Stewart Tauranga City Councillor

I attended an outstanding show at Baycourt recently. David Helfgott's event was brilliant and with tickets costing from $59 per person, I believe this was great value for money when compared to other entertainment on offer around the city.

Tauranga City Council is sometimes criticised for lack of events and shows but the diversity of shows on offer and the ability to see a show 'up close and personal” at Baycourt is something Tauranga can be proud of.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is performing at Baycourt this month. Tickets sold out within days. We are fortunate to have Dame Kiri come to Tauranga.

Community groups utilise Baycourt for end-of-year dance and school shows. The 58^th Tauranga Festival of Performing Arts will be held July 3-12.

I want to acknowledge Tauranga Repertory Theatre and the Tauranga Musical Theatre, which have been entertaining Tauranga residents for as long as I can remember. These shows would not come to fruition without the hardworking volunteers, both behind the scenes and on stage.